brandybwine

First Instinct

2012-01-30T17:15:00.001-05:00

I must really remember to pay attention to my first instinct. It's there for a reason. I usually listen to First Instinct but sometimes I get roped in by aggressive advertising. Recently I gave in to something that I have for years did not want. However, I kept running into it. So then I think to myself that I should maybe give it a go. Then BAM! HOLY COW! BATMAN! it just doesn't work out. I hate getting roped in by faulty advertising by something I did not want in the first place to have it go wrong. And it always goes wrong.

Wrapped-Up!

2011-07-29T18:56:00.003-04:00

Here are images of 2 skirts I made this month. Foundation pieced.

The fabrics are the same in both skirts.

I do not post here often as there is not much going on here but, when there is I will post .

It's My Birthday.......

2011-02-09T18:59:00.000-05:00

Well, Not Today......But Soon

Last year was a rough year. This time last year I was told to find another place to live and spent the next 3 months looking for a new residence. I now have a really cool apartment with a balcony. Money is tight though. I don't expect 2011 to be any easier. In fact it will be harder. However, I have decided to buy myself gifts for my Birthday. What am I getting?
1. All Star Marimekko Converse
2. A pair of Tie Dyed Tights from Sock Dreams
3. The Faerie's Guide to Green Magick from the Garden book

Why these things? Because I don't need them. Just knowing that I will have presents makes me happy.

Oh! Wow!.....A Small Up-Date

2010-05-10T10:47:00.000-04:00

It has been a long time since I last published anything here in my little piece of the web. I have been going through some changes that were forced upon me and to which I needed to respond to. If this were a Shakespearean play I would say I am at the climax.

Down the Rabbit Hole>>>>Depressing: Read at your own risk

2010-03-02T08:58:00.000-05:00

So, I have to move again. I have to go through my things to edit(throw away) about 30% of my belongings. I have to decide what is worth keeping. This means that a certain percentage of the things I've acquired over the past 4 years were a waste of money.

I must become a disciplined person. No longer will I be able to eat out all the time(I'm talking take out mostly here) there by making cooking a priority and a must.
Damn, damn, damn..........I don't want to do that shit! I will have to save money. Yes, you heard me. In this day and age I am still not saving any money. The bank closed my savings account because it was negative. Due to fees not over drafts, I know what you are thinking. Where it all goes, I have no idea.

I must put my fat ass on a diet exercise regimen. I know how to diet while getting the proper nutrients and how to exercise. If you need a little help I can probably help you.

I must must must stop being an absolute slob. None of you know what I am talking about and it's going to stay that way. I am on my way to being "one of those people" you hear about on realty shows and the news. Please do not say anything about it. Please.

Here is the rub so to speak. I do not feel like doing any of this shit. I would rather live on the street than move again. I don't feel like going to the gym. I just don't want to do anything. Not because I feel worthless. I just feel that I'm not worth a whole lot. I'm in the back of the store on final mark down about to be black tagged and shipped to TJ Maxx where I will eventually make it to final mark down and then finally the Goodwill or Salvation Army.

Sittin' Up In My Room

2009-12-05T22:01:00.006-05:00

"Sittin' Up In My Room" aside from being one of pop singer Brandy's last hits is exactly what your "home girl" did today. I am also in for the night. I am also hungry, that's beside the point though.

See this little beauty below. I made it today. I only need to stitch the edges and decide if it will be a pillow case or part of a quilt. I don't know.I like to make "cloth" to borrow from Jude but I do not feel the need to actually make something with it after I'm done.

Lisa sent me an email of upcoming C&T books. One of which is a book called Tile Quilt Revival. It looked like something I've been thinking about since seeing these curtains on the Anthropologie website. I have been thinking about making them since the summer but, just never had the energy. My next thought was to make a quilt using the same idea because I do not have good warm blankets. Well, I only have one.

When I saw the Anthropologie curtain I knew immediately where the motifs came from. I have two books with them inside. The "Tile Quilt Revival" book took my idea to another thought because it suggests drawing a picture, cutting out the different shapes and leaving space between them. C&T has it so you can see a preview of the book. If you are in the market for a new reference book I recommend this book. I like to work with large pieces which is why the Anthropologie curtain appealed to me. I put it all together and came up with this.

Thanksgiving 2009

2009-12-01T21:54:00.003-05:00

I visited my aunt Audrey in Missouri for thanks giving. I learned that Missouri is a big beef state. I saw many Angus cows, hay, and farmland.

"Out to Pasture"

My aunt has a 15 year old Cocker Spaniel named "Mad Dog" by me her real name starts with a D, sounds like Daisy but isn't. I call her "Mad Dog" just because I've heard about some of her exploits. She does not care to be outside, begs relentlessly, will eat anything edible, and is not the best guard dog. I say all these things with a huge amount of affection.

"Mad Dog"

I found a relic from my Childhood which just so happens to have Audrey's name in it written by my grandma. It's a Golden Book copy of Cinderella. The copyright date is 1950 so I think it was most likely my aunt Susan's or my mom's as they were both born around this time and Audrey is only around 40.

Cover

Before the bad news.

After she marries the Prince

My Aunt has some interesting opinions concerning Cinderella. I have 1 more picture to share from this book. I will share it in a post I plan to write concerning Audrey's opinion regarding Cinderella.

Sham: Pillow Sham That Is

2009-11-22T03:57:00.002-05:00

I went to Bed Bath &Beyond today to procure (lol) a set of Bodum glasses for my aunt whom I will be spending ThanksGiving with. I did not have my coupon and the glasses cost almost $40.00 so I left them.

On my way to Whole Foods after leaving BB& I stopped into West Elm and fell in love with the print in the above picture. I did not want the duvet or the coordinating pillows just the pillow sham. There are times that I know that if I do not get something I will keep thinking about it and this was one of those purchases. So, I paid the $32.00 for 1 Sham.

I could have just bought the damn glasses. I will get them before I leave Wednesday.

Peace.

Hair Care

2009-11-06T10:22:00.002-05:00

Ok. I bought Kinky Curly Knot Today because I thought it was a moisturizer like the Neutrogena Triple Moisture Leave in Cream. Turns out it's a conditioner to be used alone or in conjunction with their other products. I have only used it a few times. The Verdict: It's lite which makes it a good leave in. It allows your oils to work better. Almost like a conduit. I would not want to use it to detangle. When I washed my hair I applied this after rinsing my deep conditioner and then added my Shea Mix. After adding the Shea Mix my hair was ready to be detangled.

Argan Oil seams to be the NEW it Oil. I bought a jar of Moroccan Oil (that'sthe brand name) Intense Hydrating Mask Argan Oil Enriched. This thing cost $30.00 at Duane Read (a drug store in NYC). I was desperate when I bought this stuff. When I last washed I did my old routine(see below). When I try this (hopefully this weekend) I will post a review. Something tells me I wasted my money(read below). We shall see.

My hair has been very dry. No, I do not moisturize and seal every night. Well shame on me. My hair was breaking off like crazy and I had a bunch of single strand knots(you naturals know what I am talking about). This is why I bought the Kinky Curly and Moroccan Oil products mentioned above. I thought I just needed a hair cut. So I got one on Sunday. Monday my hair was back to getting twisted into knots.

Monday night I washed my hair with Neutrogena clarifying shampoo and used the Giovanni Deep Moisture Conditioner. For my DC I used The Giovanni Tea Tree Conditioner to which I added essential oils of peppermint and tea tree, and a good dose of coconut oil. I used my applicator brush to apply(I think its awkward yet it's effective). Used my heating cap for about 10 min(anything longer and my hair comes out crunchy), then put on a hat. The next day I rinsed and added the kinky Curly and my shea mix. My hair was then moisturized. The question was would it last all day? It did. Since Tuesday I have been moisturizing and sealing morning and night.

Moisturize & Seal: Spritz with Aloe and Rose hydrosol(I am going to switch to Rosemary Hydrosol) mix, Kinky Kurly Knot Today, and the Castor oil mix I made (I am taking castor oil out of my regimen all together). I massage my hair after each step. I then finger comb my hair.

Selection: Song Of Myself by Walt Whitman

2009-09-14T23:02:00.004-04:00

2
Houses and rooms are full of perfumes, the shelves are crowded with
perfumes,
I breathe the fragrance myself and know it and like it,
The distillation would intoxicate me also, but I shall not let it.
The atmosphere is not a perfume, it has no taste of the
distillation, it is odorless,
It is for my mouth forever, I am in love with it,
I will go to the bank by the wood and become undisguised and naked,
I am mad for it to be in contact with me.

The smoke of my own breath,
Echoes, ripples, buzz'd whispers, love-root, silk-thread, crotch and
vine,
My respiration and inspiration, the beating of my heart, the passing
of blood and air through my lungs,
The sniff of green leaves and dry leaves, and of the shore and
dark-color'd sea-rocks, and of hay in the barn,
The sound of the belch'd words of my voice loos'd to the eddies of
the wind,
A few light kisses, a few embraces, a reaching around of arms,
The play of shine and shade on the trees as the supple boughs wag,
The delight alone or in the rush of the streets, or along the fields
and hill-sides,
The feeling of health, the full-noon trill, the song of me rising
from bed and meeting the sun.

Have you reckon'd a thousand acres much? have you reckon'd the
earth much?
Have you practis'd so long to learn to read?
Have you felt so proud to get at the meaning of poems?
Stop this day and night with me and you shall possess the origin of
all poems,
You shall possess the good of the earth and sun, (there are millions
of suns left,)
You shall no longer take things at second or third hand, nor look
through the eyes of the dead, nor feed on the spectres in
books,
You shall not look through my eyes either, nor take things from me,
You shall listen to all sides and filter them from your self.

Mmmn........Where do I begin?

2009-09-08T21:44:00.002-04:00

Mmmn........Where do I begin?

So, I want to see what the hype surrounding castor oil is all about. However, As far as the best oils for your hair interms of penetrating to the cortex, I have read that coconut oil and avocado oil are the best. I combined all 3.

I do not like liquid oils so I will order some beeswax to make this a solid. I am shooting for ointment consistency.

WARNING: Do not touch your eyes after handling this. Wash hands thoroughly.

4 tbs castor oil
4 tbs avocado oil
4 tbs coconut oil
10 -20 drops essential oils per ounce of carrier oil(I forget where I read this). This recipe yields 6 ounces..

The following essential oils:

Tea Tree oil - antibacterial. I plan to keep my hair braided until my next hair cut. I will braid this weekend and hopefully leave them in for 3 weeks. Just my hair no extensions. I hope to post pictures.

Peppermint oil - I hoped it would have the same effect on my scalp as it does when I eat it and I was right. I just oiled my scalp and it's tingly.

Lemon oil and Rosemary oil - For Scent. Tea Tree oil is very strong. I looked up which essential oils blend well and these were all on the list for peppermint oil

MOLESKINE: my first love II

2009-08-29T11:17:00.001-04:00

Here is my notebook collection. I am proud of them. I do not know why. The reporter I use as an everyday type thing. The Woodstock ones are unused. The composition is for recipes. I am starting a new compostion notebook for skincare and make-up tips I get from magazines.

Clockwise rom top right: moleskine large ruled reporter,

moleskine limited edition woodstock large ruled notebook,

moleskine limited edition woodstock large sketch book,

old school composition book, large sketch book.

A page out of moleskine large ruled reporter

of an idea I had for a cosmetic case.

A page out of the large sketch book I did of Lotus blossoms.

Actually it's not that large. I mostly use it for inspiration

"boards" (I use boards loosely here)

I am really getting into the whole notebook keepingthing. See below post. Maybe you will want to start to keep one too!

MOLESKINE: my first love

2009-08-27T11:28:00.000-04:00

Are you a Moleskine fan? I am. there's something about writing in them that just makes me feel good. I never considered myself a notebook or diary person. However, I have been using them for a few years now. It takes me a long time to use one so I've changed them when I became bored or haven't used one in a while.

I bought my first moleskine in 2007. It's just now becoming used up. I use it to monitor bills and money. I've written stuff for work. There's things about how I feel about a certain boy I keep in my life for unknown reasons. I have written down the things I want for my life. Ideas for designs are in there as well as notes for school. You can basically see what I've been doing, feeling, spending money and time on, and other tidbits about me.

This first moleskine is the first notebook I have used up. I have 4 others I plan to use for creative things that I do purposefully. I will use them only because I spent good money on them.

Moleskine is my first love. I only like to use gel rollers in it. Only the best pens will do for my Moleskine.Recently I bought 2 limited edition Woodstock Moleskines. A large lined journal, and a large sketch book. I don't want to use them but, I must.

Hair Care

2009-08-11T14:34:00.006-04:00

I belong to K.I.S.S. which is a haircare networking site for women of color. There is a section for you to post your hair care regimen. I thought it would be a good idea to post it over here to as this is where I really hang and for the people who come here after reading a comment I made somewhere else.

7-19-09
I have just had a hair cut. I was sleeping without a scarf and my ends began to split and break off so I had the damaged ends cut off. I do not know if sleeping without tying my hair up is what caused the breakage but I will see.

My hair was moisturized. I was co-washing daily and applying my personal shea butter mix.

Now I will only co-wash on the days I go to the gym. On other nights I will spray my hair(water, rose hydrosol, aloe juice), apply Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave in Cream, and seal with coconut oil. (I copied this 3 layer process from Traycee although she uses slightly different productsand I'm not sure if she is still using this.)

After the gym:A Co-wash, apply shea butter mix, twist going all the way back, and smooth on coconut oil.

Shampoo: 1x per week (method: co-wash, shampoo, rinse, conditioner, shower, and rinse)

Deep Conditioner: One of the conditioners from above mixed with my shea butter mix. I put on a plastic cap, tie on my scarf and put my hat on to keep the warmth in. I leave this in for up to 6 hours. I will be doing this on hair that has been sprayed with the mix from above. I try to DC once a week but this does not always work out.

Co-Wash: After the gym or as needed.

Clarify Shampoo: 1x per month; or less often

8-6-09: I have decided to start twisting my hair. I have not decided how long to leave them in. I will try misting with aloe mix and sealing with Coconut oil to keep them moisturized between twisting. I have not decided if I will wear a twist out for a few days after taking out the twists. I am doing this to cut down on the amount of manipulation on my hair to hopefully get better growth results.

In My Arsenal: I use my products until they run out. As Items run out and are not replaced I will cross them out.

Conditioner:
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Daily Deep Conditioner
Giovanni Tea Tree Triple Treat Invigorating Conditioner
Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Conditioner
Tresemme Moisture Vitamin E Conditioner (co-washes)
Tresemme Flawless Curls B1 Conditioner (co-washes)

Shampoo:
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Cream Lather Shampoo
Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo (clarifying shampoo
Giovanni Smooth As Silk Deeper Moisture Shampoo
Giovanni 50:50 Balanced Hydrating-Clarifying Shampoo

I make my own Shea Butter Mix So I have the following on hand. I also cook with certain items or use them for other things. The Essential Oils are used to scent my Shea mix, in DCs for an extra boost, or other uses.

Oils/Butters
Shea Butter
Almond Oil
Avocado Oil
Olive Oil
Coconut Oil

Essential Oil(EO)
Tea Tree Essential EO
Rosemary EO
Lavender EO
Lemon EO
Lime EO
Orange EO

Other:
Rose Hydrosol
Aloe Vera Juice
Honey
Nature's Gate Vitamin E Oil 40.000 I.U.
Carol's Daughter Healthy Hair Butter
Neutrogena Triple Moisture Silk Touch Leave in Cream

Brand Image Part II

2009-07-16T17:39:00.010-04:00

I work 9-5 doing the thing I do to make a living. However, I am more than my 9-5 and would like to have a personal card that illustrates this.

Does the above sentiment apply to you? If it does then I have advice for you. Let's start with how you view yourself. Spend 20 minutes alone and think about you and the image that you believe you project.

In Graphic Design you use images and words to project an idea. Words take on a new meaning with the font chosen.
See how my name takes on different connotations based on font chose.

Another component is color. We see colors everyday that communicate what to do. The topic is too broad to go into here. I would give you the task of deciding which colors you like, why, and how you would like to use them. I I do not have any books on the subject because I have been reading about and using color in a very specific way for over 15 years. I recently came across a book while reading this post on Crafty Hues. The book is called Color Mixing Bible by Ian Sidaway. This book is aimed at artists, which I am not, but also has basic information for beginners.

This information is not just for a business card. It is also for your website, blog, gift wrap, stationary, or anything else that you will give or show that is a representation of you. A good blog to read about graphic design is Design Observer. Here is a link to archived branding articles on the Design Observer website.

Hair After The Gym..........weight loss

2009-07-14T08:34:00.005-04:00

Let me preface this by saying that my hair is less than 6" long.

After the gym: At home I co-wash, add my shea butter mix, and do 2-strand twists going all the way back. I get 7 twists in. Tie up in a scarf and go to bed. My hair is usually dry the next morning. I then pick the twists out.

I usually sleep without a scarf and co-wash in the morning, add shea butter mix, pick out and go. I do not do anything special to my hair. I co-wash daily. I shampoo and deep condition 1x per week.

On another note I must say that your "home girl" is in the gym. I went 3x last week. I weighed myself Monday morning and saw a number I had not seen in a while. I am proud of myself and feel like keeping it up. The down side is that I spend a lot of my free time cooking or grocery shopping.

Brand Image

2009-07-12T20:25:00.008-04:00

I have a friend who is completing a Image Consulting Certificate offered by FIT. This friend ahs long been interested in fashion. I myself wear khaki's and a t-shirt everyday but, I know a thing or two about fashion myself. So I'm gonna put my two cents in.

Are you Branded or do you look like everyone else in your herd? I love scarves I wear one with jackets all the time. However my scarf is not one of those middle eastern inspired jobs. Yes these are no longer in fashion but you get the idea. This friend can put a lot of looks together because she has been buying clothes for much longer than most of us and puts away the things she no longer wants to wear because of style, Silhouette or because she no longer wants to wear it for whatever reason. She mentioned that the "Image Consulting" has her confused about her Brand. My response was yes you do have many looks but your makeup is consistent in style, your hair cut has been relatively the same for a while now. So yes she does have an image that is unique to her. I could spot her in a crowd & know who she is.

This image is not in focus.

I say all that to say how does a person decide what to wear? How can you decide what to wear? I have some pointers.

Look to see who's look you admire.
Think about what you already have in your "closet".
Look in catalogs or visit the stores you like and look in your favorite magazines fashion and others.
Decide what pieces you would like to buy based on what you already have and budget.
Think about what you want your look to be in he upcoming season

Now here is the fun part.......Go buy the things you thought of from #4. You most likely will not buy everything because it's a work in progress and you will be tweaking this as you go along. Also, do not buy a bunch of different colors. If you are not pulling in six figures then you need to choose 2-3 colors aside from the basic colors so that you can mix and match.

My next advice is to go alone. Yes ALONE. Why? You shop with the herd, you look like the herd. As a person who worked retail for her entire college career I can attest that your friends do not want you to look good on a subconscious level. They believe what they say comes from a genuine place and on the surface it does.

But I like shopping with my friends? Well too bad for you.

They help me! Go back and read my last paragraph.

Did your BFF buy that dress while she was out with you. Nope! Why? Cause you can be negative.

My BFF and I go shopping all the time. In fact she is telling me that I need to buy some clothes because my shit is looking raggedy. She also said ahe wants to come. I did not say yes or no. The answer of course is no. I know what I want and do not want her 2 cents either. I know what I need and what I want to say. I buy things when I'm out with her. We know what the other likes and I will occasionally see something and buy it. My BFF makes purchases of a few things sometimes without me too because she doesn't want me telling her that her cold blooded ass will not wear a mini wool boucle suit in the winter. See negative not supportive.

Here is when to turn to ONE of your "home girls". You bought something and are not quite sure; ask her what she thinks. you will most likely get a fair response.

I say all this to say separate from the herd and dare to define your style on your terms. Don't get too crazy though. These rules apply to all remodels, men, car purchases, hair cuts, and anything else you want to be happy with.

So here are some links I find inspiring:

Que Jimenez
Apricot Tea
Jubella
Wardrobe Remix
Fly

My Shea Butter Mix

2009-07-02T10:13:00.003-04:00

About 2.5 cups Shea Butter, 1 cup Olive Oil, a .25 cup each of the following Coconut Oil, Almond Oil, Avocado Oil, and Essential oils of your choosing. You can add 10-20 drops per ounce.

I use Essential Oils for fragrance. There are EOs that are good for your hair. Life Tea Tree Oil (I do not know what it's good for). You can also add Vitamin E to the mix. Remember that the higher the IU the purer the product and that If the Vitamin E is in a Carrier oil those oils are going into your hair too. So, read the ingredients.

The Going Ons of the Obamas

2009-06-09T21:20:00.010-04:00

These are some pictures from the Official White House Photostream on flickr. In case you did not know you can use these pictures within certain guidelines which are posted under each photo on flickr.

Is it me or do they really look like children. Though I do suppose that the view of the pyramids as you descend into Cairo is breath taking. Even for the President.

"Students at Cairo University listen to President Barack Obama during his speech there on June 4, 2009. In his speech, President Obama called for a 'new beginning between the United States and Muslims', declaring that 'this cycle of suspicion and discord must end'. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)" (The Official White House Photo Stream on Flickr caption)

Now check out home girl's head wrap. I will definitely be copying this.

I just love little Sasha. This was taken at Notre Dame. You know they were given privilege to areas you & I wouldn't. This is a beautiful picture btw.

The Centre Pompidou Museum Paris

I have never been to The Centre Pompidou. However, these pictures make me want to go for a visit.

I think the following pic is adorable. Some people are in an uproar. I think that's their issue. The son of a White House staff member wanted to touch the President's hair to see if it felt like his.

Alma: My Grandma

2009-05-11T18:08:00.003-04:00

I called my grandma today and spoke to her for the first time in years. I asked her if she was doing any gardening and she said she has a small 1. This doesn't sound small to me: Collards, turnip, eggplant, tomatoes, okra, squash, green beans. I was like that doesn't sound small.

Here is some photographic stimulation that will hopefully inspire both you the reader and myself to partake in Spring's last dance.

I am going to write a note to myself to visit the Farmer's market this weekend because this pic is from last year and I need some real food in my belly.

Brookly Botanical Gardens

2009-05-04T18:29:00.004-04:00

I have been taking a photography course. For my final project I chose the Brooklyn Botanical Gardens emphasizing the Cherry blossoms. Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure:

"Shinto Temple"

"Cherry Blossoms"

"Cherry Blossoms: I used the flash to hi-lite"

It is my plan to visit the Gardens during other times of year. I saw some from the 1920's that were taken after snow had fallen of the Japanese Gardens. Beautiful.

UP-dates!!!!

2009-04-27T11:52:00.005-04:00

So, I fell off the wagon but I am going to get back on. The said wagon is losing weight. I'm going to keep trying and when I fall off, instead of stopping, I'll just keep going. Weight is an everyday struggle. I made it a proper noun because in my world it's a real thing.

Also, I made some headbands at M&J Trimming a few weeks ago with a friend from work(Mechelle). They are cool I guess. I will take and post pictures at a later date. For now you just have to take my word for it.

I just had an idea for my giveaway. It will entail some creative mojo on the part of those who are going to want to be included. I am still going to have it. Some things will come from my stash and some I will acquire specifically for the give away.

It was really warm in the city this past weekend. I was walking around in a t-shirt and pants which alludes to my first paragraph. I want to dress in cute (smaller) clothes this Spring/Summer. I also have a case of athletes foot that I need to get in order. I ran out of cream and it came back a little. It your feet are really dry and cracked it may be athletes foot. I know it's a little yucky but it's real.

Mmmmm. What else!. I have a little afro now. This is going to be the first summer in years that I have had hair. Positive: head is protected from the sun because of my hair. Negative: I sweat in my hair(it's one of my extreme sweat areas).

Peace Out!!!

Paloma Faith

2009-04-12T18:06:00.006-04:00

I went to the Free People blog and came across this video by Petra Storrs.

I went to youtube and found the actress in the video. Her name: Paloma Faith. My first thought was Amy Winehouse but different and I came across an interview on the VMP site and that was one of their comparisons as well.

I then saw that Ms. Faith is in a movie called St Trinians. Colin Firth is in this movie. It's British and Netflix doesn't have it. It's about the worse girl's school in England. It looks like a fun watch. You can read all about the illustrious St Trinian's School here. Here's the trailer:

Posting

2009-04-10T09:27:00.001-04:00

So.....I do not post very often here. Well that is going to change. I like to have visual stimulation in my posts but do not always have the time to do it. However, I will post even if I do not have pictures to go along with it.

I want to do a giveaway this Summer. I need to work that out. I want to attract more traffic and see who is actually out there reading. It will involve everyone who has commented on my little place in the "blogosphere" because I will contact them in some way. So be on the look out for that. It will most likely be in July. Cause June is filling up a bit.

Peace. Out.

Totally Omarly

2009-03-04T12:47:00.003-05:00

I've been taking pictures for a photography class I'm taking. The project is a photojournal and as part of said journal there must be at least 1 self portrait. I decided to take a picture of my feet. Good thing I was wearing my favorite socks ever. The O Marled.

These socks are the best. I like them so much that I need to have a pair on reserve for when I need to replace the color I'm wearing. For Instance Sock Dreams(The company that produces them) no longer has Black & Charcoal listed I have only 1 pair of each of these colors so they can only be worn on occasion.

It snowed overnight on Sunday. We usually get at least 1 snow storm in March. As I did not know if this were it or not I decided to go to Bryant Park and take some photos. Here are a few for your viewing pleasure.

The above photo is where the tents go during Fashion week. The building in the background is the Library. I think it's the main branch.

A Change Gone Come

2009-02-05T09:19:00.003-05:00

Do you know this song. Seal remade it and while it's good it lacks the weight of the original version.

I have 2 friends. One of which has wanted to be a teacher since we met back in the 5th Grade. Well she is a teacher and texted me last week that she was bored and if the economy were better she would quit and do something else. Friend #2 will be out of work in May. She will be forced to do something different as textile design is drying up.

As for me well I need a change in my life and do not know what that change will be at this point. I need to lose weight, stop sleeping my life away, further my education, and get some direction. I have been floating through life with no direction, purpose, or meaning.

Moving In Reverse

2009-01-29T09:11:00.005-05:00

I am tired and I want more. I tend to be LAZY. I do not know if it's pure laziness, depression, the feeling of being beaten down, the feeling that I do not like any of the few options I think I have, or just the fact that I have given up.

People who have unsuccessfully committed suicide have all said that their problems seemed in surmountable but that they now see that it was something that could be overcome. Well I feel as though my problems (while not that big), are so deeply entrenched that I cannot possibly climb out. It's like being in a deep hole that has standing room only. I see the sky, but the thought of climbing out tires me out before I can even start.

Where I am?

2008-12-15T16:14:00.001-05:00

I do not know who, if anyone reads my little blog. If there is someone out there I want you to know that your Home Girl is just fine. I have dragged my behind to the Fashion Institute of Technology. Wish me luck? This is the last week of classes. I will be back after Christmas with something new. I'm making some cosmetic cases I want to share.

So, Peace Out! for now.

Live on 125th Street

2008-11-09T15:09:00.004-05:00

On 125th St there is a fellow crafter whose name is also Brandy.Our last names are practically the same. Mine has an "er" at the end.

Brandy makes some really cool hats and scarves. Take a look. At the moment she does not have a blog or online store. So you must come to NYC to get one. I forgot to mention how reasonably priced they are. I paid $4o for the set I bought last year and it's wool.

I think I'm going to get a brightly colored one this year.

This is the hat & scarf set I bought last year.

Election 2008

2008-11-04T08:34:00.002-05:00

So, I voted this morning.

I wasn't sure if I was going to post about it today. But, feel that I must. The first time I voted was for Bill Clinton. It was exciting for me. At that time I was part of a population that did not vote in large numbers. The youth.

Well today everyone was out. Old, young, educated, street educated. There was 1 woman who had had her get right before she came out to vote. Home Girl sang Rehab by Amy Winehouse.

I knew there would be a possibility for a Black President but, I thought I would be an old woman. Well I'm not and the possibility is there. Tomorrow I will know if Obama is our President.

ZOOLANDER

2008-10-15T18:33:00.002-04:00

Last night I was on the subway platform waiting for the uptown 3 express. The train pulls in I walk towards door and see someone I know. I make sure I get in the same car as his. All the while I'm thinking to myself, "I know this guy from somewhere. Maybe he's a dancer I've seen". So, I'm on the train and it comes to me "Zoolander". He catches me looking his way. I'm sitting about 7-10 feet away. I ask if he was in the movie Derek Zoolander. He mouths back to me, "Yes I was".

My next thoughts were. Damn you are such a nerd. Who recognizes a character from a movie who appears for about 5 minutes. Instead of going out on the weekends I'm watching Zoolander. However I really liked that movie. The other thing is that I never recognize celebrities. If it were a major celebrity I would have been like eeeww. They are only out and about because they want to be sighted.

This man played Mugatu's assistant. He gives Mugatu a frothy latte. Just now I googled him, it took me 10 minutes. I found him. Nathan Lee Graham.

Nathan Lee Graham played the role of "TODD" Mugatu's assistant. Mr. Graham has a website if you are interested. He has been working since Zoolander. Just so you know. I think he's very nice looking. Check out those eyebrows.

The State of Me!

2008-10-03T07:49:00.002-04:00

I was walking to work this morning and began to think about myself in relation to myself and others. I have come to realize that I am a selfish person. Not in the sense that I have no regard for others but in the sense that I do not do what I do not want to do. No is easy for me to say in my personal life. For instance: I gave up a chance to earn extra money this weekend because I have to work on a project for school. Your "Home Girl" is hurting for some extra cash right now. However, I have committed myself to school and all my free time goes toward that. Especially since I procrastinate.

I work in the textile industry as a sort of Office Assistant, Sample Coordinator etc. We have a busy season coming upon us. I have just realized how much of my personal time I was spending at work. I'm in school 3 days per week. I have not had the time to complete projects lately. The reason? I use to leave work on average around 7pm (we close at 5pm). Now I told myself it was not a big deal because I got to check out the blogs I like to read etc. Well I now realize that I was doing some work too. It does not seem like work when you can take a break and go to que jimenez, spirit cloth, or what is now neo sew & co.

Also, I do not post here alot because I do not usually have pictures to share. I usually get the want to "blog" when I'm at work. I am better able to concentrate. At the moment it is 8 am. I came in early today because I have a lot of work to do and wanted to get my internet on before the day starts as I will not have time later.

On the picture front. I take all pictures at my camera's highest resolution. This means that all pics must be reduced before uploading. My pictures are usually over 25MB. I take my pictures at a high resolution because you never know what you will use them for in the future.

Bug Hunting Season

2008-09-23T22:43:00.001-04:00

Take a look at these 2 lovely creatures of mine.

The other night I woke to find them playing with this. I was able to shoo Coolie away but, Olmo is just too curiously curious. That's Olmo's paw.

I threw it out the window. I hope it is the flying variety of bugs. Every now and again you will see an uncommon insect such as this in the city. I've only seen this baby on PBS.

Focus

2008-09-22T08:52:00.000-04:00

I'm back in school at The Fashion Institute of technology. I'm shooting for a Graphic Design degree. It looks as though it will take 3.5 years just for the Associates even though I will not need to take any liberal arts classes. I'm not doing a lot of crafting these days and may not for some time. I am going to make this blog more of a general Brandy blog. So, I will be talking about all of my shenanigans. I'm going to change the banner too. look out yall.

I'm Scared!!!

2008-09-18T10:02:00.000-04:00

Our economy could collapse any minute now. I wonder what is going to happen over the next few days, weeks, months.

Here are some terms to learn. I must learn them too.
Sub-Prime
Prime
Indexes
Write Downs
Sell Short
Dollar Value
Inflation

Apothecary?

2008-08-19T20:29:00.000-04:00

Well I do not post a lot. I read a lot of blogs but, rarely comment. As a result I do not get a whole lot of traffic so I don't feel bad about not posting often.

Well, your "home girl" is about to take some classes at FIT. I hope to get a graphic design degree. Wish me luck. I already have a degree from FIT so I will not have to take liberal arts.

The latest issue of Domino came out and the "Peacock Hues" article really caught my eye. I'm not usually a jewel tone person so I had to seize the opportunity. I scanned it and came up with a color story based on the swatches. I hope to do a lot more with this in the coming week but wanted to share my inspiration with you. The September issue is all about color and I like to get magazines when the focus is color even though I feel as though I have a good color sense.

I sometimes put olive oil in my hair. So I decided to make myself some herb infused olive oil. Here's what I did. I bought lemon, lavender, and rosemary. Used a vegetable peeler to peel off the lemon rind. Careful to not get the pith(all the essential oils are in the skin). I put the lavender and rosemary in a ziploc bag and pound them to bruise the leaves and then put them in oil. After all this I looked up how to and found Solarkat's Eco Blog. It's a cool blog especially if you like natural products. I found that I'm not far off the mark. However, this way takes 3 to 6 weeks.

Here is my work station.

Here is side view!

Here is another side view!

Well that's all for now. I hope you enjoyed your visit.

Oh, Oh, Oh! P.S.
Here is a photo of my Olmo. I usually do not get to photograph him because he's so curious that he walks toward the camera.I caught him while he snuggled up next to me. It's a little blury due to camera shake(I don't like to use the flash) but, you can still see his gorgeousity.

Status Update

2008-08-05T16:43:00.000-04:00

There are projects that need to be completed. There are also projects that need to be began. The trick for me is to find the balance. Unfortunately the time will not be now. I have 2 totes to complete and 3 cosmetic cases to start. I am only being paid $20.00 a piece for the 3 of them.

I started a new project without finishing the last 2 I started. I kinda like this one. I don't think I will do a lot of embellishing on this one though.

I'm so tired. I feel like a child who needs guidance. I made a Bechamel sauce today. I have a friend at work from India who has never had Mac & Cheese. I wish I would cook more, create more, be more. But, I just don't feel like it.

I went to the farmer's market on saturday and forgot my camera.

Wassup With Your Home Girl

2008-07-22T21:39:00.000-04:00

I have had some visitor's lately and it has given me much Joy. So I would like to give a shout out to Jude, mart bright, and clevelandgirlie. Thanks for showing me some luv.

I made this cosmetic pouch using the Indian applique technique from Jude's "What If Blog". But you may already know that. It's What If #91: Indian Style Patchwork. There is a photo diary over at Flickr.

I really like Jude a lot. She has given me a lot of inspiration.

So tonight I spent a good amount of time uploading images. I take pictures with my camera on the largest file setting that way I can use these images in any way I like. I then save them in a folder unchanged and I save smaller photos in a different account for posting on the internet. This is very time consuming but worth it in the end. Unfortunately I have a cat who thinks that I'm petting the computer so he sits right in front of the key board. Right now Olmo(that's his name) is listening to someone clean the bathroom. So he is sitting on the floor facing the door. He doesn't like the brushing sound yet he is still curious. I don't like making the brushing sound so I hardly ever clean.

Here's a pic of my creature:

I have some more pictures to share of the farmer's market that I will write about later but you can go to flickr now if you want. I won't get mad.

A New Day....

2008-07-21T10:46:00.001-04:00

The post below reflected a low point for me. I have them from time to time. However, I do feel better now. Anywho...... here's a pretty pic for all you visual creatures.

What I'm Dealing With.....

2008-07-10T12:39:00.001-04:00

There were some dark thoughts here but I have since deleted them. No one was reading this blog and then boom 3 people are and for me that's alot.

Here are some pics of what I have been doing over the last five days.

Indian Applique

Metropolitan Museum Of Art with my niece

I Got Loot Baby!

2008-06-25T20:27:00.000-04:00

Behold, free fabric. This is fabric that was no longer needed. So it made it's way to me. I really like it a lot.

In the Works

2008-06-05T22:33:00.000-04:00

I thought it would be nice to post some pics of what I've been working on.

Two tote bags. The turquoise one is going to be large. Both sides will be embroidered but, I've only posted one side. The top image is a detail shot.

This black and pink one is the first one I started. It has appliqued flowers in addition to the embroidery. I'm thinking of doing a tutorial because I think this is a cool thing to do. It also adds more body to a bag made with quilt weight fabric.

I filled in one of the flowers completely with embroidery stitches. It's my favorite little detail.

Tag...MTV Cribs Style

2008-06-05T21:55:00.000-04:00

Well I've been tagged by neo sew mama. I hope I do this right

Post the rules before the pictures/descriptions.
Take a few shots of what's hiding in your fridge..freezer...pantry...cupboards. The more the better.
You can either simply just include the pictures or even better give some description of what's in there...your favorites...where you shop..how (or how not) it's organized...and/or whatever else you want to include. The more info the better...yes...I like details!
NO tidying up! If you want to turn around things so you can see the labels thats fine...but no re-arranging or cleaning things up. The whole point is to see things the way they actually are...naturally. If there is nothing in your fridge show that... Just keep it real!
Keep the tag going. Pick 7 other bloggers to join in on the fun and tag them by including their names after your post and by leaving a comment on their blog letting them know they have been tagged. I think it would also be great if you would let the person who tagged you know once you have posted your pictures.

Well there isn't much.

This is all I've got in the pantry.

In the fridge you will find bell peppers, cucumbers, and eggs. I had some broccoli but, I was cooking it as I took these pictures. I love food. I mostly eat out which is bad for my health, and my body. I'm really over weight right now by about 40 lbs. I eat the junk I buy right away.

This is what I have in the way of tea. Earl Grey, and Chai. Right now I have Cocoa Spice on hand. I like the Yogi brand. My other favorites are Red Bush, and Sweet Thai Delight.

I usually shop at Whole Foods. I love Pirates Booty cheese puffs. I also love I think the brand is Kettle Chips barbecue and Spicy Thai.

I'm going to tagging my home girl Lisa.

Just Tired

2008-05-31T12:09:00.000-04:00

Well I've wanted a camera for a long time and finally bought one a few months ago. However, it has not been any fun for me. Here's why. I get home from work around 8 or 9 pm and I'm tired. By the end of the week I'm burned out. Saturday I sleep in, and on Sunday I do chores. Man that's no life. Notice there is no mention of sewing, exercise, or romance. I'm totally tired. TOTALLY.

Last 'til After Market

2008-05-14T11:05:00.000-04:00

Well, I'm off to Quilt Market on Friday. I hope to see, photograph, and report some new cool things.

Meanwhile back at Brandy quarters your home girl is not feeling so happy. It's hard to make yourself feel/appear upbeat when you're not. Your girl is feeling really depressed. I hope to feel better soon.

Also, I'm getting bored with the whole blogging thing. I feel as though I'm talking to no one. I'm an interesting person. I promise you.

Well I won't be back until the 24th or so anyway. I will miss visiting the blogs I love though.

I have 8gb of storage space so the rebel xti will get a thorough work out.

Roses

2008-05-12T08:12:00.000-04:00

Well I made the following roses and have decided to offer them to you as a desk top image. The image is in repeat. If it is too small for your screen tile it and you will not see any seams. Just right click and save to your pictures.

A Long Time In Blogging

2008-05-09T17:50:00.000-04:00

It has been a long time. I always ask myself why more people aren't stopping by. The answer is two fold: I don't make my presence known enough and I don't post enough. I posted 4 time in April. Well this month will be different. I promise! Even though I am going to be working a lot.

This past week has been totally crazy. Wednesday night I was too through. So after work I went to get some Indian food alone. My usual co-conspirator had a class at FIT. So I ate all the food alone. I eat at a little place called Curry in a Hurry. About 2 doors down is an Indian grocery store called Kalustyan's. This place has every spice under the sun.

Kalustyan's

Curry In A Hurry: Chicken Tikka Massala, mixed vegetable, and nan.

There is also a little Indian Fashion shop that I love to look in but have never bought anything from.

I have resolved to do more sewing. Last month was the first time I made anything in a little over a year. Last weekend I got halfway through two handbags. I hope to work on those more this weekend. Next week Friday I travel to Portland for Quilt Market. I want to make myself a bag to carry my clothes in and a bag to carry my PURCHASES in. I have this tote bag I made at least 2 years ago. Well the poor baby is falling about and my friend Lisa is talking mad smack about it so I must do something about it.

I recently took some fabric home. Every now and then I see something that I must have. I hope to post some pics tomorrow.

Les Gardins Des Brandies

2008-04-28T09:30:00.000-04:00

I have no idea what language that is but, you get the idea. I bought these really cool sketch books a few years back. Since I have been a part of the "Your Inspiration" Book pool Flickr group I have felt the need to really put some stuff in it. I have been busy this past weekend. Unfortunately I haven't been able to get the images to a good viewing size but hope to remedy that by Saturday.

Here is one of the spreads from my book. I plan to make this one Garden Inspired. I'm totally feeling flowers right now. These are hard hard pages. The next step will be to make mood boards in Photoshop.

Started on Saturday the 12th Finished Today Tuesday the 15th

2008-04-12T15:14:00.000-04:00

Well today is Saturday. What a day it's been! I just came back from the vet. Olmo is cool. Coolie has to make a number 2 but he needs some help. So The lovely Dr. Pagano gave him an enema.

Now it's Tuesday and he still has not made a big one and if he doesn't the Dr. will have to go in.

Sunday the 5th Mr. Coolie was rushed to the hospital. I can not afford a surgery. I couldn't afford the hospital or the Vet this past Saturday. The Dr. at the hospital didn't find anything but, I knew my baby was not well.

You know that bunny pattern over at the Purl Bee. Well I printed it out enlarged and plan to make a few as gifts for my nieces. I cut it out using a reproduction shirting fabric. I almost feel like pulling out the machine. I found that the shirt pattern is not symmetrical.

Well I have made the bunny here are some pictures of Olmo attacking it. I mad clothes too but I haven't taken a picture yet.

His work done Olmo moved on!

The Dead Bunny. To be revived later.

I uploaded some more pictures. Take a look.

UP Date

2008-04-08T09:33:00.000-04:00

I'm sick these days. My cat Coolie had to be taken to the hospital on Sunday night so I've been busy. I will be sure to post up this weekend. I'm really tired these days.

Cooking For My-Self

2008-04-01T20:33:00.000-04:00

Well last night was a busy night for me. I came home and cooked for myself. So, now I have food to last through Thursday. I made curry black beans with brown rice, and broccoli in garlic oil.

The goal is to cook at home more, and eat out a lot less. I go through this every so often. Let's see how it goes.

Tonight has been busy too. I came home took some pictures of some of the handbags I've made. I formatted them then uploaded to flickr. 90 minutes later here I am writing in my blog.

I showed my blog to my boss and her boss today and they loved it. So, of course I left the office feeling really good about myself. I wanted to wait until I really had my blog set up nicely before showing it to anyone. I showed to Lisa of Cultured Expressions and she liked it too. Lisa is trying to get me to do more with my crafting.

It's really busy at work these days too. Oh, well I'll get through it.

MOTIVATION

2008-03-31T10:01:00.000-04:00

This is something I have a hard time with. It's very hard for me to even get out of bed on most days. Every day I tell myself, "ok this is what you are going to do today". And you know what I never do. Unless I must, like no clean clothes: do the laundry, can't afford to eat out: cook food.

You want to hear something funny. I eat McDonald's. Yes I know it's bad but, I can't help my self. So here's the funny part. I rarely buy processed foods at the grocery store. You will never see "Lean Cuisine", "Hot Pockets" or any other types of these things in my refrigerator. Nope. I like to feel like I'm doing something good for myself when I cook for me. When I go out though It's party time.

Test Shots

2008-03-26T20:48:00.000-04:00

I went out with the new camera today. I wanted to get the last remaining light. I just went to the corner of my block. Harlem is just full of beautiful architecture.

This one is just some bare branches. I love bare branches. Whenever I see them in at the florists I want to bring some home.

The ones below are of the church across the street from my building. There are more but when you take digital images you have to manipulate them in order to upload them.

Oh! One more. There are 2 special men in my life: Olmo & Coolie. Olmo is hard to photograph so here is coolie. Coolie weighs about 15-18 lbs. So, he's a big boy.

EOS Canon Rebel XTi

2008-03-24T15:28:00.000-04:00

It arrived today. Too bad it's Monday cause I will not be able to devote a lot of time to it today. But, this weekend I'm going out.

I am so happy right now.

Weekend Work

2008-03-21T16:08:00.000-04:00

weekend work
Originally uploaded by brandybwine

I have been wanting to do some embellishing with the yellow fabric for some time now. This will be the weekend for me. The blue is quilted. I'm going to use it to line a handbag I cut out. I scored the tie-dye pieces by being in the right place at the right time.

Any who, I don't feel like going home. I'm gonna do one more thing then go to the new kinokuniya store that opened up the street.

Camera Update

2008-03-18T10:10:00.000-04:00

My camera has shipped. Well, not actually but, Amazon has sent the shipping info to the shipping company. So, I will be tracking it like every minute. Join me as I pray it will be here by Friday.

My Work Situation

2008-03-17T09:52:00.000-04:00

Wow! I am being overcome with fabric in my work space. I wish I could just wave a magic wand and make it disappear. My room at home is becoming that way too. What's a girl to do? I don't know. I cannot take pictures of my work space but I can of my home space. So when the camera comes I will photograph it.

Whew! I must now get to work.

Papparazzo!

2008-03-14T10:30:00.001-04:00

Well I finally ordered the camera I've been obsessing over for at least 8 months. It should be in my hands by Tuesday the 18th of March.

Neo Sew Mama inspired me to get it after her camera's LCD screen died. I'm getting the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi.

New! Camera

2008-03-13T20:55:00.001-04:00

The camera that I've wanted for the longest is now on it's way. I'm so happy.

Re-Thinking

2008-03-10T13:13:00.000-04:00

This Blog was initially set up to document my crafts. Well, as I have not been very creative nor do I have a camera, I've decided to write about Brandy. Maybe I will get that camera and post pictures too. Who knows!

Vintage China For Tea

2008-03-02T18:38:00.000-05:00

Wow! I've been spotting this in a few places. First in the current issue of Domino and now on various blogs. I guess I will be going to the last few remaining Flea Markets here in the city next weekend to look for some? It's always mix matched but, that appears to be the style.

Well it's time to get ready for the Complete Jane Austin on Channel 13.

Marie Claire Idees

2007-06-24T23:39:00.001-04:00

I visited the all sorts blog this evening when I should be in bed. But, we can not concern ourselves with the amount of sleep I need.

Jenny mentioned that she was reading her new Marie Claire Idees which I too love. she posted a link. I found the English language page to order Marie Claire Idees special publications. You can purchase a subscription through Amazon.

Mens Wear Inspired Fashion

2007-06-22T08:49:00.001-04:00

Well the new issue of Vogue arrived last night. The July issue is not a huge issue. However, it gives a small glimpse into my favorite season "Fall". The orange leaves, and crisp Manhattan air. Ahhhh! I love it!

Any who. I love love love mens wear inspired clothing and Vogue is endorsing it this month. I am going to start saving for a Barbara Feinman hat. I will go to Toho Shoji and M&J Trimming for findings, ribbons, and beads to make glorious flapper style necklaces to wear long or short.

I hope Vogue doesn't mind this picture of inspiration. On another note Vogue is one of those magazines every lady, woman, or girl should be getting delivered to her mailbox every month. You must get August, September, and March if you are not going to subscribe.

My Life In Words

2007-01-01T22:09:00.001-05:00

My name is Brandy B.

At this moment I do not want to use my last name though it is easily found on the internet.

My interests are Graphic Design, Textiles, Interior Design, Wellness, The Meaning of Life.

I currently work in the textiles industry. I have been with this company for about 10 years. Long time right. I am a graduate of The Fashion Institute of Technology. I consider myself to be somewhat creative with a good eye.

This blog is about waht I'mdoing when I'm doing it. Right now there isn't much going on in my life. So do not look for too much.

Contact Me

2007-01-01T16:00:00.004-05:00

<p>&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;Loading...&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>